The Irish pub, located in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney, is well known for its authentic atmosphere and delicious, modern twist on Irish food. And the nightly live music and dancing makes it one of the best values in all of Disney. It’s dinner and a show all in one!

But recently, we had the opportunity to attend one of Raglan Road’s special dining events, the March Signature Dinner.

Part dinner, and part opportunity to launch a new book detailing the history and recipes of Raglan Road, we couldn’t wait to take part. Read on to see pictures of the evening, as well as some of the interesting dishes we had the opportunity to enjoy.

Atmosphere

If you haven’t had the chance to pop into Raglan Road for a pint and a meal, you should take care of that as soon as possible. If you have any interest in pubs, this is a place you want to see.

Raglan Road in Downtown Disney

Authentic is an apropos descriptor here, as much of the inside of the pub actually came from Ireland. Bars and fixtures were salvaged from churches and pubs.

We have explored the beautiful space in other reviews; click over to our last lunch review to take a bit of a tour. For today, we’re going to stick to the event.

As guests arrived we checked in at the podium and were ushered through the main dining room, around the bar to the left, and into the Raglan Room. The room is a cozy spot with lower ceilings than the main dining room. A partition separated the room from the rest of the pub for the dinner.

Seating for the event consisted of six or so large tables with an open arrangement; there were no assigned seats.

The Raglan Room Begins to Fill Up with Guests

And here’s where I apologize for all the wonky light. It was very bright early in the evening, and then very dark later on. While it made for lovely views to watch the light ebb, it didn’t do my pictures any favors. Still, I’m hopeful you’ll get an idea of what a beautiful event this was.

The Newly Remodeled Snug and Another Table

The tables set just the right tone, with an elegant, farmhouse feel. A close up of our table gives you a better idea of the setting. I loved the white tablecloths and kitchen towels that would serve as napkins.

Our Table

The fresh flower centerpieces and candles were a beautiful touch as well.

Table Candles

But there was a touch of whimsy in the place setting as well, owing to the [Read more…]

One of the most consistently delicious stops on the Walt Disney World trail, we recently had the pleasure of a lunch date with my parents at Downtown Disney’s Raglan Road.

Located right at the front of what is (kind of) Pleasure Island, the vibe from the Emerald Isle spills right onto the sidewalk and around the corner as you take in Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant, the adjacent Gift Shop, the Hole in the Wall watering hold, and Cookes of Dublin next door.

Even though we were there during Spring Break, we didn’t find early lunchtime to be too busy. We stopped in JUST before the restaurant switched to an updated menu, but luckily most of our choices can still be found amongst the new offerings.

Atmosphere

You want authentic atmosphere? You got it. Much of the decor here is authentically Irish, and the bars themselves were shipped directly from Ireland.

Raglan Road Sign and Front of Building

The entrance to the restaurant is central, while there is outdoor seating to the left and a nifty gift shop to the right. If Raglan Road does have one shortcoming it would be that there aren’t many places to sit while waiting for your table. Fortunately, that wasn’t an issue for us that day.

Entrance Foyer

The gift shop really is so cool! You feel like you’ve wandered right into a shop that was destined for Epcot’s World Showcase (had they ever built a separate Ireland Pavilion.)

Tons of Irish souvenirs and sauces from the restaurant are available here. This is also a nifty place to pick up some of Master Chef Kevin Dundon’s fantastic cookbooks, like Recipes that Work or Full On Irish, if you wanna recreate a little Raglan Road in your kitchen once you head home!

Gift Shop

What you see in the restaurant itself really is a little slice of Ireland in the Florida sunshine. You’re surrounded by rich, dark woods and brass fixtures. The tile floors below your feet add to the feeling of antiquity, and the soaring heights of the domed main dining room, complete with cupola, are crowned with [Read more…]